The Colombian government on Thursday announced strong new measures to support women who have been the victims of violence.
The two new decrees, tax breaks for companies that employ victims and increased financial support for battered women in the form of housing, transportation and food, build upon two laws created in 2008 and 2011.
The second decree focuses on providing additional support such as transportation and accommodation for women whose lives are in danger. It establishes the conditions, criteria and procedures by which authorities will grant such assistance. C
The labor ministry claims that the move will help ensure women occupy a more fair and equitable position in the labor market, not only from a perspective of gender equality, but also in a broader context it will contribute to Colombia’s general social and economic development.
The government will allocate funds and resources to departments and districts and communicate guidelines for implementation, monitoring and control. If in the event the victim’s attacker has the ability to pay, he or she must cover the costs of the care measures.